How to obtain a gorilla permit or pass
Mountain gorillas are found in only Virunga Conservation Area which includes Virunga national park in DR Congo; Volcanoes national park in Rwanda; Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable national parks in Uganda. For any one to have the opportunity of visiting these gentle giants, a a gorilla permit must be paid for in time.
What is a gorilla permit?
A gorilla permit is a document or card that must be purchased by a tourist in order to be allowed to visit and meet gorillas in the wild. In this case we are referring to gorilla permits for trekking mountain gorillas in Rwanda, Uganda, and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Why do I need to purchase a gorilla permit in advance?
Unlike other tourist experiences like game viewing, tourists must pay for gorilla permits in advance. Gorilla tourism is highly regulated in order to allow the animals continue to thrive in their natural habitat given that they are highly endangered. This is done in several ways including limiting their exposure to humans through issuing a limited number of gorilla permits per day and limiting the time tourists spend in the presence of gorillas to just an hour.
How can I buy a gorilla pass?
The easiest way of purchasing a gorilla permit is through a local tour agent. Since gorilla permits are required to be purchased or booked in advance before the trekking date, local tour agents do this on behalf of the tourist.
How many gorilla permits is Uganda capable of selling daily?
Uganda Wildlife Authority is capable of selling at least 160 gorilla permits distributed amongst Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga national parks
How much is a gorilla permit?
The price of a gorilla permit is different in all the 3 countries. Rwanda gorilla permit is sold at the highest price at $1,500 per person. Uganda gorilla permit is sold at $700 for non-residents and $600 for foreign residents per person. Congo gorilla permit is the cheapest at $400 per person.
When do I need to purchase a gorilla permit?
Due to strict gorilla conservation regulations, only a limited number of permits are issued per day. This requires tourists to book for gorilla permits at least 6 months before the trekking date. This is the reason why it is very important for tourists to work hand in hand with local tour agents to help them secure the gorilla permits.
How long is a gorilla pass valid?
Each gorilla permit issued is valid for a single trekking trip.
Contact us to inquire or book a gorilla permit for Uganda, Rwanda or Congo gorilla tours.